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Below is a family biography included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOSEPH DENISON, County Treasurer, Bloomington; son of Andrew and Susanna (Herr) Denison, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 10, 1832; during his early life, he received a good business education, and for several years was in a general store, where he learned business; he came to McLean Co., Ill., with his parents, in 1851, locating in Bloomington, and, for some three years, worked at the trade of marble engraving, after which he embarked in the grocery business; this he continued until 1862, when he enlisted, in the 94th I. V. I., and went out as 1st Lieutenant; was promoted to Captain, which position he held to the expiration of his enlisted term (three years); he participated in many of the most severe battles of the late war, and escaped without a scratch. In 1865, he opened a grocery store in Lexington, Ill., where he also served as express agent; here he was quite successful; in 1868 he was appointed U. S. Gauger and Storekeeper, for the Eighth District of Illinois; in 1871 he was elected Treasurer of McLean Co., and re-elected in 1873, and again elected in 1877; Mr. Denison is a man of fine business ability and good social qualities. He married Miss Sarah J. Strain, of this county, Oct. 3, 1854; they have a family of five children.

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This family biography is one of 1257 biographies included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of McLean County, Illinois

View additional McLean County, Illinois family biographies here: McLean County, Illinois Biographies

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